The New Pope is Argentinian
As I pointed out last time, this is kind of a big deal.
Usually they spend weeks choosing a new Pope – this decision came from an overnight vote from the Cardinals. On top of that, he’s chosen an unprecedented name “Francis I,” which is odd.
Argentina is a primarily European country, and they’ve been through some harsh economic times due to socialism; this could potentially result in a good pope. But he’s also a Jesuit… those guys worry me.
I’m not ready to make any conclusions yet, so I’ll leave you with “How to survive an Economic Apocalypse – Argentinian style”
Non Habemus Papam. Christus Solus Noster Mediator et Pontifex Maximus
Ed: Well, yes, I’m not a Catholic either, but institutions and symbols are important. Even if you disagree with the theology of having a Pope, he’s still an important figure.
Not willing to make final judgement yet, I think they chose quite well – guy has a first hand experience with marxism – he was an opponent of Liberation Theology, too me that’s already a good sign (especially for a Jesuit)
Heard he is rather conservative for a Jesuit. Sounds like the church was trying to strike a balance with the conservative faction and the more liberal factions of the church. Considering that he was the second man versus Benedict when he was elected, or so I heard, perhaps the pope emiretus’ abdication was part of a plan and agreement.
Jeepers. Just started reading Part One.
How do you get away linking this scary stuff in a post about a new Pope?
The Argentinean collapse is perhaps more Mad-Max-like than the Soviet collapse.
Most people here have probably heard of John Robb, but if you haven’t:
http://www.resilientcommunities.com/
Resilience is the answer to anarcho-tyranny. And make no mistake, that is what we have been living through for years – anarcho-tyranny.
First on my list of papal responsibilities would be undoing Vatican II, but it would also be nice to see if he could articulate a vision of human rights that is neither Commie nor Cappie. Past popes have done surprisingly well at writing about the *theory* of being a good person.
Incidentally, the Mondragon Co-op was started by a Catholic priest. And the Chesterbelloc was a mighty force in Catholic worker circles.